MATTHEW HURLEY looks ahead to some of the big championship games taking centre stage this weekend.

Castlelyons v Blarney

SAHC semi-final, Saturday (Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 7.30pm)

Muskerry side Blarney have featured in the last two senior A finals, losing out to Newcestown and Glen Rovers. Their aim is simple – return to the decider this year and finally finish the job. Their recent 1-21 to 0-19 win over Na Piarsaigh was not spectacular but it was efficient and workmanlike. There is encouraging news that Pádraig Power is on the road to recovery, and his return would be a massive boost to a team already stacked with quality through the likes of Mark Coleman, Cian Barrett and Shane Barrett. Castlelyons, however, cannot be underestimated. This is only their second season at this grade and they are back in the semi-finals, underlining their rapid rise. They lost to Glen Rovers at this stage last year by six points, a more competitive showing than Blarney, who were beaten by 10 by the Glen. With recent history fresh in the memory, this promises to be another tight contest.

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Dungourney v Ballincollig

PIHC semi-final, Saturday (Caherlag, 4pm)

Ballincollig impressed in their quarter-final, brushing aside Carrigaline – last year’s finalists – with a dominant 1-21 to 1-9 victory. Dungourney, meanwhile, enjoyed a flawless group campaign, winning all three of their matches to top the table. For the attacking purist, this semi-final has huge appeal. These were the top two scoring sides in the group stages: Ballincollig racked up 5-64 while Dungourney hit 6-63. Ballincollig also posted the highest scoring return of all quarter-finalists. Key men abound. For Ballincollig, Stephen Wills (0-27), Brian Keating (2-18) and Cian O’Driscoll (3-5) have led the way. Dungourney will look to Cork underage star Jack Leahy, who has been in flying form with 0-29. Expect fireworks.

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Ballinhassig v Cloyne

PIHC semi-final, Saturday (Ovens, 7.30pm)

Ballinhassig’s early quarter-final exit in 2024 was a major disappointment, especially given the calibre of current and former Cork hurlers in their ranks. This year, they have looked determined to put that right. Finishing top of their group and notching a crucial win over a fancied Ballincollig side has given them momentum. With Cork goalkeeper Patrick Collins and his brother Ger – who has scored 3-22 this season – in form, Ballinhassig are a serious threat. Cloyne, however, are no strangers to pressure. Relegated from senior A last year, they have responded strongly, winning three of their four games to reach the last four. Brian O’Shea has been their chief scorer with 1-24 and will need to be at his best if they are to topple Ballinhassig.

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Sarsfields v Bandon

IAHC semi-final, Saturday (Riverstick, 4pm)

Bandon are enjoying a superb season, winning 12 of their 14 league and championship games. That record reflects both form and confidence, but their management team of Joe Burke and James Nyhan will know a tricky test awaits against Sarsfields. They topped their group with three wins from three, including victory over Aghabullogue – a side only recently relegated from premier intermediate. It is worth noting, however, that injuries at senior level have seen some of Sars’ best group-stage performers promoted to their first team in recent weeks, potentially weakening their semi-final hand. For Bandon, the scoring threat of Michael Cahalane, Jack Cullinane and Mark Sugrue will be key. If they fire, Bandon’s dream of a county final is within reach.

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Aghada v Aghabullogue

IAHC semi-final, Saturday (Ballyanley, 4pm)

Many regarded Aghabullogue as unfortunate to drop into the fourth tier, and this semi-final gives them the perfect stage to prove they belong at a higher level. Standing in their way is an unbeaten Aghada side. While not considered East Cork’s strongest hurling outfit, they have quietly gone about their business and reached this point without defeat. Aghabullogue advanced with a solid 1-18 to 1-12 quarter-final win over Midleton, and they will look to the likes of Matthew Bradley to lead the scoring charge once more.

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Kilbrittain v Ballygarvan

PJHC semi-final, Saturday (Minane Bridge, 4pm)

Joe Ryan’s Kilbrittain side arrive into the semi-finals in superb form after winning all three of their group matches. Their 3-19 to 1-10 victory over Nemo Rangers last time out was particularly eye-catching and underlined their credentials as genuine contenders. The Black and Amber have made the most of their talent pool this season, with Mark Hickey, Conor Hogan, Josh O’Donovan and Philip Wall all playing key roles in their success. Ballygarvan, though, showed resilience in edging out St Catherine’s 1-18 to 1-17 in the quarter-finals – a significant scalp considering Catherine’s reached the final in 2024. They will provide a stern test, but if Kilbrittain reproduce their group-stage form, a county final berth awaits.